Chapter 15

Jolting, Remi sat up. Cait was standing over her. “What’s wrong?”

Cait flipped the blankets off. “Come downstairs.”

Untangling her legs, Remi stumbled from the bed. “Why? What’s happened?” She rushed over to pull the jeans she had dropped on the floor up her legs. “What time is it?” Looking down at the T-shirt she wore to bed, she decided it was fine.

“It’s two thirty. Darien just bellowed from downstairs, telling us to get down there.” Cait struggled to get her arms into her sweatshirt.

Nodding, Remi slipped her feet into a pair of running shoes and quickly followed Caitlyn. Her heart was hammering as they ran down the stairs and through the back rooms. Hitting the door out from the kitchen, she gasped. Emery stood at the end of the bar with blood all over himself, including his face. “What happened?” She ran down the length of the bar and then almost tripped over her feet when she saw Darien leaning over Corey, where she sat on the floor, leaning against the front of the bar.

“She’s okay, Remi.” Attis steadied her by gripping her arm.

“It’s not our blood,” Emery added, prancing on the spot, looking back to Corey.

“What happened?” Remi demanded, her voice shaking with emotion. Shaking off Attis’ hand, she rushed over to Emery and pulled his face down toward hers. His pupils were huge, obviously from the adrenalin. Grabbing a napkin off the bar, she wiped the blood from his face.

“We were jumped.” He said with venom in his voice. “I was walking Corey to her car, and they came out of nowhere.”

Remi looked down at Corey, who was nodding to whatever Darien was saying. “Was she parked in our lot?”

Emery shook his head. “No, which is why I insisted on walking her.”

Kyran and Pascal came through the door. Pascal locked it behind them and looked at Emery. “They’re long gone.”

“Shit.” Emery paced away and clasped the side of his head. Dropping his hands, he shook his head. “I had to get her back here. I couldn’t leave her there alone to go after them.” He cursed again. “It’s like they knew about the spell; we were only two feet past the boundary when they came at us.”

Darien helped Corey stand up; she nodded and released his arm.

Remi watched Emery as he looked at her; his face was filled with pain. Corey stepped away from Darien and went to Emery, wrapping her arms around him. Remi had to look away when she saw him relax as he wrapped his arms around her, cradling her into his body.

Turning away from the couple whispering softly to each other, she looked at Kyran. “You have to figure out who is doing this.” Glancing at Pascal, she gave him a desperate look. “You couldn’t track them?”

Pascal shook his head. “No, couldn’t even find a trace.”

“Which is quite the puzzle considering Emery injured one of them, and the smell of blood should have led Pascal right to their doorstep,” Attis added, his voice filled with disbelief.

“What are we going to do?” Remi glanced at Darien and then turned to Emery and Corey before he could say a word. “Corey, I’d like you to stay here tonight. Is there someone you have to call to let them know?”

Corey turned her head, her arms still wrapped around Emery. “No. I have my own single unit across town.”

Nodding, Remi glanced at Emery and then back to her. “You can stay upstairs.” She ran a hand through her hair and then nodded to Emery. “Take her upstairs, Em.” She watched them turn to go. “Are you sure you’re both okay?”

Corey looked up at Emery, her eyes filled with wonder. “They didn’t even get near me; Emery wouldn’t let them.”

Emery hugged her into his side. “Only thing hurt is my pride.”

Sighing, Remi gave him a relieved smile. “Good.” She wanted to hug him but was pretty sure that would embarrass him. “Why don’t you take Corey up, make her some herbal tea?”

Moving over, Corey, still glued to his side, he kissed her cheek. “Thanks, Remi.” His look said a lot more to her than words. He was more thankful that she was accepting Corey than he was anything else.

“Go.” She offered Corey a reassuring smile as they went past her. Turning, she looked over at Cait. “Go up with them. Try to get some sleep.”

Cait nodded, her eyes wide as she hurried to catch up to her brother.

Sighing, Remi glanced back at Darien. Attis and Kyran stood beside him, their expressions mirroring one another; they had to put a stop to these attacks. Pascal moved back around from behind the bar; he held a bottle of blood.

“Do I close up Serenity temporarily?” She asked, glancing from one to the other.

Kyran sat on a stool and crossed his arms over his chest. “I can’t tell you not to, but they’re going to be harder to catch if you do.” He motioned around the empty room. “They’re right here under our noses, and we’re just missing it.”

“You think it’s someone on the inside?” Attis asked.

“No.” Kyran shook his head. “Not necessarily, but it is someone that walks in and out of that door,” he pointed to the entrance, “every day or knows someone that does.”

“You think someone is mind-surfing one of the staff?” Pascal took a sip and waited for an answer.

“It’s the theory Randell and I are working right now,” Kyran answered in a tired voice.

Darien nodded. “That would explain how they knew the boundary has been moved and about the inspector and the others.”

“And how they knew when we get our deliveries.” Remi mused out loud, more to herself than to anyone.

“Exactly.” Kyran nodded and then looked from Attis to Pascal. “Is there any way either of you can do something with that?”

Pascal took another drink while looking at Attis. “I can check every mind that comes in: it’s possible I’ll get a whiff of who it is or a thought that might lead us in the right direction.”

Attis moved over and leaned on the bar. “If he can give me a target, I could make a suggestion or two.”

Kyran rubbed a hand over his face. “All of that breaks so many laws,” he sighed, “but I just don’t know how to put a stop to this without it.” He lifted his head and looked around at them. “Peterson will flip if he finds out.”

“People are dying and getting hurt, Kyran,” Remi said in a quiet voice.

“I know.” He waved his hand around, “That’s why I’m asking for help.”

Pascal raised his bottle to him. “Consider it done.”

“Agreed,” Attis added.

Remi looked over at Darien, who stood there without comment. “Darien?”

Blinking like he’d been elsewhere, he gave her a blank stare and then shook his head. “Yes. I agree.” He blew out a breath and rolled his shoulders. “I’m just battling my own demons right now.”

Remi winced. She’d forgotten how close to the full moon it was and how it affected him.

“Demons?” Kyran inquired.

Remi dragged her eyes away from Darien to nod at Kyran. “Yeah, when it’s close to the full moon, Darien has to work harder at being a nice guy.”

Kyran’s eyes widened. “And on the full moon?”

Darien grinned. “She locks me in a very strong cage.”

Smirking, Kyran looked from her to Darien; he paled as the smile left his face. “For real?”

Pascal patted him on the back and nodded. “Welcome to Serenity. We have our very own live werewolf that turns into a vicious beast once a month.”

Kyran looked Darien up and down while he stood perfectly still. Wiping his hands down his jeans, Kyran slapped his hands down on his thighs and then stood up. “On that note, I’m going down to the station to fill Randell in, decide if I’m writing everything in my report, and then I’m going to get some sleep.”

“Are you sure you should go out there?” Remi asked hesitantly.

Kyran shook his head. “No, but it’s my job, and as much as I like this place, I don’t think sleeping on the bar would be very comfortable. I don’t know how you guys do these long hours every day.”

“I’ll walk him out.” Pascal set the bottle on the bar.

Kyran waved a hand to everyone as he walked to the door.

“I’ll finish the cleanup, and then I’m going to bed,” Attis said with an abrupt nod to her and Darien. He glided to the corner booth and started to collect glasses left at the end of the night.

Darien rubbed a hand over the back of his neck and then rolled his shoulders a few times. He had to be suffering from all the extra stress added to the moon’s effects. “I didn’t think you’d want me to wait until morning to tell you.”

“You thought right.” Tucking her hands into her back pockets, she gave him a tired look. “What did you say to Corey?”

Shaking his head, he leaned against the bar, “Just a bunch of nonsense to calm her down.” His expression mirrored her thoughts; this was getting out of hand. “It was a lot for her to take in.” He sighed, “At least she didn’t freak out over Emery’s faster-than-human movements as he fought them off.”

Remi wanted to sigh in relief. “So, we can assume she pretty much knows about the para world.”

He nodded. “I explained a bit of what’s been happening.” He smirked, “Now she’s all worried about poor Emery being in danger.”

“Poor Emery?” She rolled her eyes. “Yes, with his speed, fangs, and blood lust, he’s bound to be a sacrificial lamb.”

Attis came back over and stepped in between them. “May I just say you look fabulous, all rumpled fresh from the bed?” He looked her up and down and then grinned. “Absolutely fabulous.” A growl came from behind him. Attis glanced at Darien. “I’m allowed to look. I’m not dead.” He chortled. “Oh, wait, yes, I am.” Winking at her, he turned to collect the glasses on the tables along the wall. “Anytime you want a snuggle buddy, call me, Remi.”

Shaking her head, she didn’t know what to do, so she turned back to Darien. He stood there. His arms crossed over his large chest, eyes hooded as he looked her up and down slowly. Feeling like she was exposed, she hugged her arms around her waist to hide the response of her body to his roaming eyes. “I guess I’ll go upstairs and try to get some more sleep.”

Darien’s attention came back to her face. “I’ll walk you up. I want to check on Emery.” He stepped away from the bar. “He was freaked out when he got back here. Attis had to almost hold him down to stop him from going into a full bloodlust and going hunting.”

Nodding, she headed toward the kitchen door. “You just want to make sure he’s not using Corey as a snuggle buddy.”

Darien made an exasperated sound from behind her. “Something like that. He shouldn’t try to conquer any lusts when his emotions are this wild.” He moved by her to hold open the door and looked down at her with a meaningful glare. “It never ends well.”

Pausing, she looked up into his serious eyes, wanting an explanation but with everything else going on, she seriously didn’t know if she could handle it right now. He held himself ridged, which for Darien wasn’t normal. “Are you okay?”

Inhaling deeply, he let it out slowly. “I’m having a few issues, but I’m good.” He motioned for her to go ahead of him.

Turning, she started up the stairs. “Issues? Because of the moon?” She glanced back at him.

He sighed loud enough that she paused.

“Let’s just check on Emery and Corey, and then I’ll explain.”

Frowning, she nodded and continued up the stairs.

Remi sat on the couch and watched Darien fidget in the chair across from her. Darien didn’t do fidgety. He was a straight-up kind of man, got right to the point. When he flopped back and looked at the ceiling, she sat forward and leaned on her knees. “Dare? What is it?”

Blowing out a loud breath, he tipped his head back down and looked at her. His eyes held her steady without so much as blinking. “I don’t” —he waved a hand around— “I’m not sure what to say.”

Confused, she frowned. “I don’t understand. Say about what?” Sitting back, she leaned on the arm of the couch and studied him for a few seconds. “What’s bothering you?”

Rubbing his hands down over his knees, he gave her a pleading look, but she didn’t know why. With a sigh, he stood up and went to the window, pushed the heavy drape aside, and stood looking out it for a few seconds before turning slowly and looking at her again.

“Darien?” This behavior wasn’t the Darien she knew. In seven years, she’d never seen him act the way he was. Darien was a rock. He looked out for everyone that mattered in their world and was never hesitant or emotional. “You’re starting to freak me out.”

His shoulders lifted and fell, and then he came over and sat on the table in front of her. “I’ve been having a really hard time lately.”

“With everything going on?”

He glanced at the floor and then back to her. “That’s part of it. Emotions are all over the place around here right now.” Shrugging, he wiped his hands down his legs again. “With good reason, but that’s not what I’m talking about.”

Leaning forward, she placed her hands on his knees and stared into his eyes. They were like looking into a storm. “I can’t have you losing it right now, big guy.” She offered him a wavering smile. “If you fall apart, I’m screwed.” Letting a breath out slowly, she bit back emotions that were stuck in her throat. “You’re my rock, Dare. I need you.” Giving him a half grin, she flexed her fingers on his legs. “It’s just you and me against all the insanity, remember.”

Nodding, he reached out slowly, almost hesitantly, and cupped the side of her face. “I know.” His eyes moved over her face, and she couldn’t look away from him or the anxiety she saw. Sighing, he straightened, “Right now isn’t the time.” Stroking his thumb over her cheek a few times, he dropped his hand. “It’s just my beast side misbehaving. I’m sure I’ll be good after the moon is back in cycle.”

“Is that why you were getting something from Nadine?” She watched him stiffen and then look over her shoulder instead of meeting her questioning look.

“Yeah, she makes a concoction that helps me keep my beast side under control.” He nodded abruptly, and she had to wonder if he was speaking to her or his beast.

“Does it help?” Lowering her head, she leaned over so he would have to look at her again.

His dark eyes were a squall of emotion. “It usually does,” he shrugged, “must be the added stress this time.”

Patting his knee, she gave him a serious look. “Can I do anything to help?”

Darien swallowed and stared at her for a second. His eyes flicked to her mouth twice before he looked away and closed his eyes. “I should be good.” Looking at her again, he shrugged. “Tomorrow’s cage night, so I think I’ll be good after that.”

Holding his look, she tried to read him but couldn’t. She wasn’t sure why she felt like he wasn’t telling her something, but she decided to ignore it. “Let me know if it gets to be too much tomorrow.” She slid forward on the couch so she was closer to him. “If it’s too much, just take the day and watch a movie or something.”

He shook his head. “I’m not going to hide in the damn basement with some psycho targeting Serenity.” His jaw clenched. “It’s bad enough I’m out of commission tomorrow night.” He cupped her face in his hands, a serious look on his face. “Promise me no one goes outside tomorrow, out of the protected boundary, without Attis or Pascal with them.”

“We’ll be careful, Darien.” She whispered; his intensity made her heart ache.

He gave a brief nod but didn’t release her face. “You don’t go outside at all. For any reason, and someone is to be with you at all times.” His voice cracked as he said it.

Remi didn’t know what was going on with him, but it frightened her that he was this emotional tonight. Maybe it was because of what had happened with Emery or the note, but she didn’t like seeing him this way.

“Remi?” His tone was pleading. “Promise me.”

“I promise.” She wanted to reassure him, but how?

Darien leaned closer and brushed his lips over hers in a soft kiss. She could feel him shaking as he did it. He stayed there, so close his breath was brushing over her mouth. A shiver of awareness went through her. Normally when Darien kissed her, it was fast, hard, and unexpected, except the one time she’d asked him to.

“Ah.” A groan came from the doorway. “Shit. Sorry to interrupt.”

Darien’s hands dropped away as they both turned to see an exhausted, paler-than-normal Emery slumped against the doorframe.

A look of regret was on his face as he shrugged. “I just wanted to let you know I’m going down to my room.” He looked over his shoulder down the hall and then back at her. “Corey is out like a light and” —he looked from Darien back to her— “it’s a little too much for me to stay with her tonight.”

“You need blood,” Darien said, standing up.

Nodding, Emery rubbed a hand over his chest. “Yeah, I’m long past due needing some, and with the way I’m feeling…” he jammed his hands in his pockets and gave Remi a sorrowful look. “I just can’t lay there and listen to her heartbeat tonight.”

Remi stood up and went over to him. “It’s okay. I’m sure she’ll understand.” She glanced over her shoulder and gave Darien a soft look. “Emotions are playing havoc with everyone right now.”

“I just...” Emery gave her a hopeful look. “Will you check in on her before you go back to bed?”

Placing a hand on his chest, she nodded. “Yes. Go get something to drink and try to rest. I will even feed her breakfast in the morning.”

He looked down at her, a grateful smile on his face. “Thanks, Remi.” Leaning down, he kissed her cheek and then backed up a step. “I really need to go. Even your blood smells like a snack right now.” Stepping out into the hall, he glanced back to Darien. “Are you staying up here tonight?”

Remi turned so she could see Darien. He looked from Emery to her, a pained expression in his eyes.

“I’m just going to check the place from top to bottom, then try to get some rest.” He lifted a hand in a helpless gesture. “The moon is riding my control hard right now.”

Emery nodded quickly. “I hear ya.” With a mock salute, he was gone from her sight in a blur.

Biting her lip, she turned to Darien. “You think he’ll be okay?”

Darien grinned. “Yes, momma bear, he’ll be fine.” He shrugged. “This emotional stuff is just like growing pains.”

Sighing, she ran her hands through her hair and flipped it back from her face and neck. “Attis once told me that when you’re turned, everything you feel is intensified.”

“It’s that way for a lot of paras.”

“You too?”

Clenching his jaw in thought, he looked her up and down once before answering. “In certain circumstances, yes, it is.”

Huffing out a breath, she smirked. “I guess, when it’s like that being a normal isn’t so bad, then.”

Darien came toward her, a look she didn’t recognize on his face. “You are anything but a normal, Remi, and you know it.” He stopped when he was right in front of her. “Normals can’t just look at a being and know what specie they are.”

Leaning against the door, she shrugged. “Blame that on Doyle.” She shook her head. “I was perfectly normal until he passed whatever this is on to me.”

“This,” he tapped the center of her chest lightly with a finger, “is the way you were meant to be.” Leaning down, he kissed her on the mouth and then straightened up before she had a chance to respond. “And I wouldn’t change a thing.” Taking a deep breath, he turned toward the door. “I’m going to check the windows and doors, then make sure everything is closed up downstairs.”

“Thanks, Dare.” She reached out and touched his shoulder to stop him. “If you need me, you know where I am.”

He gave her a strange look and then an abrupt nod before he continued down the hall.

Blowing out a breath, Remi shook her head. This had been one seriously strange day, and she hoped tomorrow brought some normalcy back. With a grin at her own thought, she went to her bedroom. What she thought was normal would be so far from anyone else’s idea of it.